Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | IL, ISR |
| Official Name | State of Israel |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | Jerusalem |
| Government Type | Parliamentary democracy |
| Currency | Israeli New Shekel (ILS) |
| Calling Code | +972 |
| Member Of | United Nations, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) |
| Population | Approximately 9.3 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | Around 20,770 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Mount Meron (1,208 meters or 3,963 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Dead Sea (-430 meters or -1,410 feet below sea level) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approximately $42,823 USD |
| Life Expectancy | Around 83 years |
| Internet TLD | .il |
Israeli National Anthem
Hatikvah (The Hope)
As long as in the heart, within,
A Jewish soul still yearns,
And onward, towards the ends of the east,
An eye still gazes toward Zion;
Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope two thousand years old,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Israeli Flag
The Israeli flag, adopted on October 28, 1948, shortly after the state’s declaration of independence, is a powerful symbol of Jewish identity and national pride. Its design reflects both the Jewish heritage and the aspirations of the State of Israel.
The flag features two blue stripes near the top and bottom edges, reminiscent of the traditional Jewish prayer shawl, the tallit. These stripes symbolize the values of justice, truth, and ethical conduct, which are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and texts. The Star of David, a recognized symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism, is centrally placed between these stripes. The star’s blue color is specified as dark sky-blue, symbolizing both the heavens and the ideals of human aspiration.
The choice of the Star of David, known in Hebrew as the Magen David, has deep historical and religious significance. It is a symbol that has been associated with Jewish communities for centuries, representing both a connection to the past and a symbol of hope and redemption. Its inclusion in the flag’s design is a declaration of Jewish national rebirth and the continuity of Jewish history.
Throughout its history, the Israeli flag has been a source of pride and a focus of controversy. It has flown in numerous historical contexts, including wars, peace agreements, and significant state ceremonies. The flag is not just a national symbol but also an emblem of the Jewish people’s longstanding quest for a homeland and self-determination.
The flag’s adoption in 1948 was a significant moment, symbolizing the realization of the Zionist dream of establishing a Jewish state. The design, proposed by the First Zionist Congress in 1897, was slightly modified before its official adoption. This long-standing design underscores the continuity and persistence of Jewish national aspirations.
Today, the Israeli flag is recognized worldwide and is a symbol of the State of Israel’s sovereignty, history, and identity. It is flown in a variety of contexts, both within Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, symbolizing the enduring connection between the Jewish people and their historic homeland. The flag’s simple yet profound design encapsulates the essence of the Israeli state and the Jewish people’s enduring hope for peace and security in their ancestral land.